Ayurveda categories herbs according to the Dhatus or tissues upon which they work. It also contains a knowledge of special herbs and substances (minerals and metals) that work on the subtler tissues, including the nerve and reproductive tissues.

The semen or reproductive tissues is the essence of all bodily tissues and contains within itself not only the power of reproduction, but also that of rejuvenation. The essence of the semen, the cream of the body is called Ojas which means 'That which invigorates' Ojas is thus the essence of the body, the substance of all hormonal secretions, and supports the auto-immune system .

The plant like the human being and the universe itself is similarly composed of seven Dhatus or seven Planes. The juice of the plant is its plasma. The resin of the plant is its blood. The softwood is muscle. The gum is its fat. The barks is its bones. The leaves are its marrow and nerve- tissue. The flowers and fruits are its reproductive tissues. The flowering tree shows these tissues in their most developed state. The tree is to the plant world what the human being is to the animal kingdom.

The Dhatus of the plant work upon the corresponding Dhatus of the human bodies : its juice works upon our plasma, resin upon our blood, softwood upon our muscles, gum upon our fat, bark upon our bones, leaves upon our marrow/nerves, flowers or fruit upon our reproductive organs. The seeds of the plants thus treat congenital diseases and dysfunctions by virtue of their affinity with our own seed and congenital root.

Plants similarly possess their own Ojas - The energy and love within their system. But they can transmit Ojas when used with love. Remedies produced with love, even when not 'Therapeutically sound ', may work wonders. Love is the true healing force, herbs and other means are merely vehicles.

There are special herbs, like Ashwagandha, which contain high amount of Ojas and special ways to prepare herbs which help to transmit them directly. Mantra and meditation are part of this process.

We can envision the plant as a human being and the human being as a plant , both composed of the seven Dhatus. In this meditation we harmonize the tissues of our body with the great healing powers of nature.

Article edited by Kavita Hada.

Published with the kind permission of Chakrapani Ayurveda Clinic & Research CenterIndia.

ChakrapaniAyurvedaClinic & ResearchCenter, based in India, is dedicated to Ayurveda - the science of life - a holistic approach to health care.

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